The Washington Park neighborhood ─ affectionately known as Wash Park to natives and newcomers alike ─ is one of Denver’s loveliest communities.

It’s a wonderful blend of historic and contemporary architectural styles, with the splendor of one of the city’s premier parks at its heart.

Wash Park is actually two neighborhoods ─ West and East.

Both neighborhoods share I-25 as their southern boundary but Wash Park West’s northern, western and eastern boundaries are Alameda Avenue, Broadway and Downing Street while Wash Park East’s are Speer Boulevard, Franklin Street and University Boulevard.

And, of course, the two neighborhoods share their namesake: the 155-acre Washington Park, designated in 2012 as a Great Public Space in America by the American Planning Association. The park is an urban oasis with beautiful expanses of grass, mature trees and lovely gardens as well as two lakes, one with an historic boathouse.

One of the beautiful gardens is a replica of George Washington’s garden at Mount Vernon. You can rent pedal boats or kayaks, or if you’re looking for a great place to hold a wedding or party, you can rent the boathouse.

Both neighborhoods are within walking distance of the park and also offer easy access to downtown Denver, Cherry Creek and I-25. There are several schools in the area: DPS’s South High School and Lincoln and Steele Elementary Schools as well as St. John’s Lutheran School and several preschools: Washington Park Early Learning Center, The Goddard School, Larks and Montessori School of Washington Park.

With its charming bungalows and new mini mansions, Wash Park East is considered the more exclusive of the two neighborhoods. Niche.com gives it an overall “A+” for Nightlife, an “A” for being Good for Families and an “A” for  and ranks it 8^th out of 65 for Best Neighborhoods to Raise a Family and 10^th for Best Neighborhood to Live in Denver.

The shopping and dining on Old South Gaylord Street, which is the 1000 block of Gaylord, is fabulous. One local favorite is Devils Food Bakery (1004 S. Gaylord St.), a coffee and tea house serving comfort food for breakfast and lunch.

There are six eateries/bars in all, offering everything from Mexican fare to surf n’ turf to craft brews. And there’s a range of unique shops selling everything from men’s clothing to flowers.

There are also lots of great shops and restaurants on Wash Park East’s eastern border along University Boulevard, including perennial favorite Bonnie Brae Ice Cream (799 S. University Blvd.) and on the other end of the block at 701 S. University Blvd. is the iconic sports bar Campus Lounge.

As to Wash Park West, it is a more diverse community with smaller homes, duplexes and condos. Niche.com gives the neighborhood an overall ranking of “A” and ranks it No. 39 out of 65 for Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals.

It also has great restaurants and shopping. In the mood for something that’s a little Italian? Check out the restaurant Olivia (290 S. Downing St.). Rather than focusing on any one Italian region, Olivia is all about handmade pasta, expertly crafted but playful cocktails and an Italian focused, but international wine list!

East or west, you’ll love Wash Park!